Garden room shell builds
A growing trend in garden room design is for the company just to supply and install the weathertight shell of the building. This is an appealing option if you want the peace of mind that the core structure is installed by professionals but would like to do some of the work yourself.
If a garden room shell appeals to you, we suggest talking with Garden2Office, who offer the option on their designs. Also, chat with Warwick Buildings about their wide range of options.
A hybrid method between self-building and complete installation
A garden room shell is a hybrid method, sitting somewhere between a self-build kit and having the room fully installed by a company.
Having the exterior shell of a garden room installed by a professional team is a quick way of self-building and overcoming all the tricky parts of the build, e.g. establishing a level foundation, getting the structure weathertight etc.
As the installation team leaves the site, you have a weathertight structure in which you can take your time to finish the interior.
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A Growing trend for companies asked to install the shell only
In researching our garden room price guide, we were surprised by how many companies are now pricing their rooms with key elements of the build-up, such as the insulation layer, the electrics and the interior finishes, all listed as optional extras.
It is a two-fold decision to price this way. On the one hand, it can make their prices seem more competitive than other ranges. On the other hand, it offers its customers flexibility to include the layers they want.
Some garden room shells are insulated; others leave it to you
Insulation in the floor, wall and roof structures is what makes a garden room stand out compared to other types of garden buildings. With some of the shell options on the market, including those offered by Warwick Buildings, you can choose whether they insulate the room for you.
Ordering the building without insulation would allow you to choose your preferred type of insulation. However, you would want to check what space you will have to place the insulation layer and whether having it installed without the insulation layer will leave you with corners that are difficult to insulate yourself. You won't want to end up with 'cold spots' where the frames have been joined together.
Personalise your electrical specification
Buying a garden room shell without electrics also gives you free rein on the electrical specification. You can position sockets and choose the lighting tailored to your intended use.
Remember, a qualified electrician must install a garden room's electrics and comply with Part P of the Building Regulations.
Make your mark on the interior
When buying a garden room shell building, you are able to make your mark on the interior space. You are not limited to a set palette of finishes. You can choose the materials, colours and finishes that will create the look you want.
Do the maths
When looking at garden room shell options, do take time to work out the additional costs you will have to finish the interior fit-out. Then compare these costs with buying a fully installed garden room.
Having an insulated garden room shell installed will cost you more than buying a self-build kit and installing it yourself. However, an insulated shell building would be cheaper than having a comparable fully finished garden room installed.